WHILE debate continues over the status of a new pool in Mernda, the next stage of Mernda’s regional sports precinct is getting under way.
The second stage of the project, located on Everton Drive, will see a modern indoor stadium built, which includes four multipurpose courts, as well as outdoor netball courts with lighting.
These facilities are designed to support a wide range of community sports and activities, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, particularly women and girls to participate.
The development will also include essential supporting infrastructure such as changerooms, a reception area, kiosk, outdoor pavilion, car parking, footpaths and landscaped open spaces, ensuring a welcoming and functional environment for players, families and visitors.
Stage two builds on significant early works already completed in stage one to prepare the site, including rock removal, land levelling, construction of retaining walls and the creation of a wetland to enhance the local environment and manage water on the site.
Stage three of the project includes aquatic and leisure facilities and the initial concept design work for this stage has been completed.
The City of Whittlesea said that from an overall business case budget of $180 million, $80 million from other levels of government had to be secured to help support the local investment into the precinct.
In total, the council has received $31.5 million in state and federal government co-contributions, with a promise of a further $10 million. This leaves a shortfall of $38.5 million from the required $80 million of co-contributions required in the initial business case.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said while the pool continues to be a subject of debate in Mernda, there needed to be a balance between what council could deliver.
Cr Cox said there were steps in place to make sure the precinct was viable.
“This project is council’s single biggest investment in a recreational facility in our history and we have had to take a staged approach to delivery to make it financially viable. Rising construction costs and the ongoing State Government rate cap have made it even more challenging to fully fund projects like this – that’s why our partnership approach with other levels of government is so important.
“This is not something we can deliver on our own … delivering this project in full will require substantial funding contributions from other levels of government.
“Council will soon consider the next stage of this project, and as always, our focus will be on making responsible decisions that delivers what matters most to our community.”
A report seeking council consideration of funding for the leisure and aquatic component of the project is scheduled to be presented before the end of the financial year.
Walking into the old Savaco timber factory on Broadford’s Mollison Street, times have certainly changed since it was filled with wooden reels used for long wires and cables for Telstra in the 1970s.
These days, it’s brimming with donated equipment, toys, books and medical supplies ready to be shipped worldwide to those less fortunate by the SHARE Project.
Run by the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers, SHARE stands for Serving Humanity And Re-Purposing Equipment, and acts as a midway point for some of Victoria’s excess medical products and other items bound for landfill that are then redistributed to those in need.
Jenny Foster, the onsite contact at the warehouse and the chairperson for the SHARE Project, opened the Broadford warehouse back in October 2024 after realising the need for more room to store and distribute things beyond the established rotary warehouse in West Footscray.
She says what makes it different is that the project brings members from all over the state together in Broadford to be part of something bigger than themselves.
“We do it on our computer. Whereas the local club here, which is Southern Mitchell … they meet in person.
“You can only have your members in this area, that’s just the rules (of Rotary). Whereas in e-club, we can have anyone.”
“We have people like Tony and the others, they’re just local people coming in to help. And I love that because having your volunteers and … knowing that our excess is helping other children in the world is also part of it.”
In the past week, their focus has been squarely on their upcoming shipment to Cambodia which will see a full shipping container of medical equipment, healthcare products and kids’ toys make its way to the inland city of Siem Reap.
The item of choice when the Review visited last Tuesday was wheelchairs, when sixty rough terrain chairs donated by Wheelchairs for Kids Australia in Perth were packed into the Cambodia-bound container.
Jenny said that she received a phone call from Wheelchairs for Kids years ago to seek her help in getting their chairs into Cambodia, and through that process she found Safe Haven Cambodia.
“Someone told me it would be a really, really good program that would absolutely make sure that the wheelchairs were fitted correctly to the kids, not just shoving a kid in a wheelchair and hoping for the best,” she said.
The wheelchairs being sent are specialised to provide mobility for children living with disabilities in less developed countries, and are among very few worldwide that comply with strict World Health Organisation guidelines.
A GOOD CAUSE: One of the wheelchairs donated by Wheelchairs for Kids Australia on display at the SHARE Project warehouse.
There to oversee the process was Kate Arkwright from Safe Haven Cambodia, the non-government organisation (NGO) who will receive the shipment of supplies once it reaches Southeast Asia.
As the Development Director at Safe Haven, Kate has spent the past two years helping to support Cambodian children living with disabilities and their families, as well as educating members of the local communities.
“(Disability) has got a very big stigma about it. Many people still believe that a disability is because of bad karma,” she said.
“Or they think it’s bad spirits in you. Like epilepsy. They’ll think it’s a bad spirit inside you and things like that.”
The wheelchairs will end up all across Cambodia, assisting children with movement-inhibiting disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy.
The past week has been largely focused on the Cambodia shipping container, but Jenny said that there are also containers set for Uganda and Papua New Guinea on site.
Providing mainly medical equipment, the PNG container will also include some of the old Kilmore International School uniform.
“The PNG team that were here yesterday, one of those girls has only just moved here two weeks ago. I was showing her the navy blue pants, and she said ‘oh, they’re so needed in Papua New Guinea,” Jenny said.
As part of the SHARE Project, Jenny and a group of other members will be heading off to Cambodia later this year.
Although they’ll be busy helping fellow Rotary e-Club member Darrel Steer with his Cambodia Clean Water and Toilet Project, Jenny said that it gives her a chance to gain perspective on the needs of the people they are shipping these items to.
“I’m always one that really likes to visit the project,” she said.
“To me, it’s really important to go and listen to the people in the community, and understand what their needs are and then come back here and go ‘okay well, what part of that can we help?’ We can’t do everything, but there must be something.”
The SHARE Project also supports a number of local organisations, including Love In Action, the Helping Hands Mission and the Caroline Chisholm Society.
If you’re looking to get involved in the SHARE Project, you can get in touch with them by emailing rotaryshareproject@gmail.com
You can read the full story online by visiting the North Central Review website.
A WALLAN paramedic was honoured earlier this year, earning International Women’s Day honours from the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA).
The awards honours leadership, courage and commitment that women make across the emergency services sector, and are recognised across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
There were 56 recipients of the award across the three countries this year, with the honourees matching the International Women’s Day theme of Give to Gain.
Six recipients were from Victoria, including Wallan paramedic Kirsten Mitchell, who has served in the sector for 12 years.
Ms Mitchell was listed on the CAA website as someone who delivered excellence in high-pressure situations, a Community Emergency Response Team education champion at Craigieburn and Kinglake, and someone who builds strong partnerships with local organisations and schools.
Her biography states that her impact ‘goes far beyond the ambulance doors’.
“She’s a natural leader and mentor, always ready to guide new team members and share her knowledge. Her ability to connect with people patients, colleagues, and community groups has strengthened trust and improved outcomes across Wallan and beyond,” it reads.
“Kirsten’s drive doesn’t stop there, she has championed innovative programs that reduce response times and improve rural healthcare access, proving that her ideas are as powerful as her actions.”
The Ambulance Victoria website, in profiling Ms Mitchell, was glowing in its assessment. “Kirsten is a paramedic who does it all; from delivering world-class clinical care to mentoring colleagues and building strong community connections, Kirsten leads with heart and vision,” it said.
WHILE the Inland Rail project has been shuttered off from the New South Wales town of Parkes onwards in a dramatic Federal Government announcement on Wednesday, Inland Rail has confirmed that there will be no effect to local construction, including the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, and recent works in Broadford and Wandong.
Inland Rail confirmed that the project will continue as normal in a media release on Thursday.
“Inland Rail has been focusing our construction activities on the Beveridge to Parkes section of the project since a staged approach to delivery was recommended by the independent review into Inland Rail in April 2023 and has made substantial progress towards delivery,” they said.
“The Government also confirmed that it is focused on working with the Queensland and New South Wales Governments to preserve the rail corridor north of Parkes. We are working through the details of this currently with the Federal Government.
“This hugely important work will be led by our new permanently appointed Chair of the Board, Dr Collette Burke, and by our incoming Chief Executive Officer Dr Sean Sweeney, who will begin with Inland Rail on 1 July 2026.”
Inland Rail’s Brent Hooley confirmed the works specific to the local area will continue as normal.
“The Beveridge to Albury project is part of approved works and will continue as planned,” he said.
The confirmation of Beveridge remaining unchanged was also confirmed by a National Intermodal spokesperson.
“The announcement regarding Inland Rail reinforces the importance of Beveridge as a long‑term, world‑class intermodal precinct. National Intermodal’s delivery of this project remains unchanged, with Stage 1 construction underway and progressing as planned,” they said.
“The Australian Government has confirmed its focus on the existing freight network, continuing the Inland Rail project to Parkes while preserving the long‑term corridor and future intermodal terminal opportunities in Queensland.
“Planning will continue in key locations, including Parkes and south‑east Queensland, to ensure future options remain open, alongside targeted investment in upgrades to the existing rail network.
“National Intermodal continues to play an important role in supporting Australia’s supply chain resilience.”
The funding for the $45 billion project was axed on Wednesday and will stop at the central New South Wales town to connect freight from Melbourne to Perth.
The construction between Beveridge and Parkes will still be due to be completed by the end of next year, where $1.75 billion has been re-allocated to the project, allowing double-stacked freight trains to travel.
The news that the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will continue as normal will be a relief to local employment as it powers on through the first stage for a mid-2028 opening, where 70 per cent of 17,000 slated jobs could be filled by workers from the Mitchell Shire and City of Whittlesea areas.
The project will be the first terminal in Melbourne to receive and service double-stacked Inland Rail trains.
CONSTRUCTION is progressing on one of the largest new sports reserves in Melbourne’s north, with Stockland and Hume City Council providing a first look at the Kalkallo North Active Open Space in the growing Cloverton community.
Spanning more than 93,000 square metres, equivalent to about four MCG playing fields, the precinct represents a significant investment in community infrastructure, designed to support local sport, active lifestyles and everyday recreation.
The update comes as Melbourne’s northern growth corridor has become one of the fastest growing regions, with Hume City’s population forecast to grow by more than 125,000 people by 2046 and Cloverton expected to be home to about 30,000 residents.
Works are now under way on key sporting facilities, including two cricket ovals and four soccer fields, with the broader precinct set to include multi-use courts, a large destination playground, dog parks, waterplay, parkour and picnic areas.
Stockland Development Director James Hawker said the milestone reflects growing demand for community infrastructure as Cloverton takes shape.
“As Cloverton continues to grow, access to high-quality open spaces that support organised sport as well as everyday recreation needs to keep pace with the community. Kalkallo North Active Open Space is being delivered at a scale that matches the growth we’re seeing and will become a major asset not just for Cloverton residents, but for Melbourne’s north,” Mr Hawker said.
Delivered in partnership with Hume City Council, the project includes a $450,000 contribution from the Victorian Government towards a district-level waterplay area, highlighting the shared commitment to delivering family-friendly community spaces.
State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the space would deliver plenty for residents.
“As Cloverton grows, its vital families have access to quality local spaces to play, stay active and connect. This major new sports reserve shows what strong partnerships can deliver for our fast‑growing community,” she said.
Mayor of Hume City, Cr Carly Moore agreed.
“This precinct is a positive development for our growing community, providing a place for people to be active and come together,” she said.
“While projects like this are important, we know there are broader infrastructure challenges in our growth area communities, particularly with heavily congested key roads like Donnybrook Road, and we will continue advocating strongly to ensure our community gets the investment it needs.”
The Kalkallo North Active Open Space will open in stages, with playing fields anticipated from 2027. Timing for additional features, including a council-delivered clubhouse and waterplay area, will be confirmed as planning progresses.
Progress on the sports precinct follows the recent opening of Lumin Boulevard Reserve, a new sport-themed neighbourhood park in Cloverton featuring inclusive play equipment, outdoor fitness stations and a multi-use court for everyday recreation.
AN incredible pitching effort from Lachlan Ruyter led the Mitchell Majors to a 7-4 triumph over Melbourne University at Minnitt Park on Saturday afternoon.
After not having much luck last week, the Majors were keen to bounce back against a similarly placed Melbourne Uni outfit who had started the season with two wins from three games.
Player-coach Ruyter took it upon himself to kick the game off, and a shaky start placed runners at first and second with no outs.
But that quickly changed thanks to the brilliance of Steve Bertucci at short stop who collected a ground ball hit to his right, stepped on the bag at second base and lasered one to Ben Owen at first to make a double play.
DOUBLE PLAY: Steve Bertucci perfectly executed his role at short stop, removing two of Melbourne University’s runners in a single play.
Not to be outdone, less than a minute later Ben Harkom leapt to pull down a screamer that prevented Melbourne Uni from scoring and ended the innings.
The Broadford-based club were also in a good position during its first at-bat, but couldn’t capitalise on a bases-loaded, no-out situation.
The Majors continued to be stingy in the field throughout, restricting the visitors to just four runs for the game thanks to the efforts of Ruyter on the mound.
He threw more than 120 pitches across the game, trusting his own arm to hold Melbourne Uni’s big hitters at bay as his own team put the scoreboard pressure on.
It was a team effort from all batters to get the side in front, and sharp running proved to be a defining factor to hand the Majors a three-run win.
In the A4-grade matchup, the home side were no match for an impressive Melbourne Uni who piled on 16 runs despite being held to just two through the first four innings.
Stuart Partridge did what he could on the mound, using his excellent arm speed to blow pitches by his opponents.
Unfortunately for the Majors, low numbers this season have forced the team to pull their E-grade side.
But the remaining two teams will hit the park again this Saturday, travelling to Watsonia to take on the Saints who are languishing at the bottom of the A3-grade ladder.
THEY SAY when it rains it pours, and that’s exactly what happened for the Mitchell Rangers as both its senior teams got on the winners list for the first time this season.
The winning ways kicked off in the State League 7 Men’s fixture against Footscray on Saturday with a gritty 2-1 victory for the Rangers’ seniors.
The bottom of the table clash looked to be all in favour of the travelling Rangers early, putting two past Footscray’s goalkeeper in the first half hour through Cameron Leffley (3’) and last week’s goal scorer Stuart Clothier (24’).
The home team pegged one back 10 minutes into the second half to bring it back to a 2-1 lead in favour of the Rangers, and it was a tense finish with five yellow cards and a red handed out in the dying stages.
However the visitors were able to hold their opponents off to notch a rousing first win of the year, albeit seven rounds in.
On Sunday, it was the women’s XI hosting Diamond Valley in their home opener at Broadford Secondary College.
Much like the men’s side, the Rangers got on the board early through Sarah Warren in the seventh minute and they held their 1-0 lead into half time.
The second half was played largely in the midfield as neither team could break through. Charlette Edmonds did her best to provide an option up forward while Louisa Jones and Mikayla Gibbons thwarted any attacking efforts from the visitors.
The dogged efforts of the home side were rewarded when the ref blew the final whistle with no further score added in the second half.
The men’s reserves couldn’t quite make it three from three for the Rangers at the weekend, fighting out a 1-1 draw after Leffley netted one in the ninth minute to kick off his brilliant day.
The men’s seniors will host La Trobe University in another winnable matchup this Saturday, while the women’s side will head to North Balwyn to take on the winless Boroondara.
A GREAT DAY: North Central Review journalist Michael Thompson (right) pictured with Collingwood great Tony Shaw (left).
It was great to be able to score a big gig at my beloved Mernda on Saturday as I was invited to give a great one-on-one interview with Collingwood great Tony Shaw for the Demons’ sponsors day and president’s lunch. Shaw is one the greatest captains the Magpies have ever had – a hard worker who made the most out of his smaller frame to have the know-how to win the ball, and a great natural leader who, of course, famously won the Norm Smith Medal in the 1990 grand final. And who kicked five goals that afternoon? It was Essendon, of course.
THE RACE TO 100 IS ON!
Laurimar’s Patrick Fitzgerald was close to 100 goals last year – in some ways, it was a surprise that he didn’t quite get there but his presence was still very much a positive for Laurimar as the Power made it back to the grand final after relegation in 2024.
Fitzgerald has been firing on all cylinders so far this season – a haul of 15 against Kinglake the clear highlight, but he added another eight on Saturday against Heidelberg West to take his tally to 35 off just five games at an average of seven per game.
Is this the year the man they call ‘Doita’ finally gets his century?
Stealing the show a little bit over the last couple of weeks though is fellow Power forward Hayden Trim. The youngster had a great battle with fellow impressive young Whittlesea forward Caden Allen for the under 19s goalkicking in division two last year as they both tied for the award.
As I’ve written about previously, Allen has gone on with it at senior level for Whittlesea this season, but Trim is really coming into his own, and has kicked nine goals in two weeks.
Sitting in second position on the division 3 goalkicking list is Epping’s Daniel Rakhlin. Another young player who knows where the goals are. He’s a great talent and it’s pleasing to see him get rewarded.
IVANHOE MAKING HISTORY
Wayne Schultz’s men are just the second team this century to win four games in a row by 100 points or more – even if they only just managed the feat by winning by an even 100 points against Epping on the weekend. The other team who have managed the feat is Lalor in 2004, but Ivanhoe have done it in each of its first four games.
Still, the game showcased two things. First of all, Epping’s young team look impressive – noted by Ivanhoe on the weekend that if they are given a couple of years, they will be dangerous in the division 3 competition.
The other was that, despite sitting only five goals up midway through the third quarter, Ivanhoe simply have a gear that is extraordinarily hard to match.
The Hoers’ next assignment is Old Eltham.
STARS ON THE UP
Fitzroy Stars have put division 2 well and truly on notice in the last fortnight with two ultra-impressive victories, showing that its style of play very much holds up in what is a tight competition this year.
The win over Whittlesea was noteworthy enough away from home. To back it up against last year’s grand finalists, Macleod, even more so.
The manner in which they won suggests they have quickly learned lessons in a short amount of time. The Stars had their opportunities to take wins against Northcote Park and Lower Plenty, but small mistakes meant they missed out on potentially being 5-0.
This time around, the Stars didn’t panic when Macleod hit the front in the last quarter, and it was a goal from inspirational leader Kain Proctor in the final minute of the game that allowed the Stars to win by five points.
Also from the Stars on the weekend caught their senior women’s game against Ivanhoe on Sunday at Ivanhoe Park. The performance of Amina Keegan was mesmerising – her ability to create leading lanes, win the football and showcase her nous, run and dash inside 50 was solely the difference, and she finished with eight of the Stars’ nine goals as they won comfortably by 38 points.
GOOD DIVISION 1 FOOTY
Had a look at Hurstbridge and Bundoora at Ben Frilay Oval on Saturday afternoon. The game can best be described as one that was a real defensive affair, but it’s a credit to both teams that they can each stop the ball that’s moving so quickly around the ground, particularly on a smaller ground like Hurstbridge’s.
Bundoora had its chances, but probably utilised one too many handballs in their forward thrusts and were repelled by the Bridges, who ended up taking a 13-point win.
Still, the Bulls have been a nice story so far this season. They finished second last last year, narrowly avoiding relegation, but had many games they could have won. This year, so far, they have been able to turn the tables a bit, but it will be a tough outing this week against Heidelberg.
MONTMORENCY STARTING TO FIRE
Monty were a team I had pencilled in as the next best behind Heidelberg, but it was a difficult start to a season that seemed like the Magpies expected so much from.
Still, the best thing for them is we are only at round five. The last couple of weeks have delivered 100-point wins over West Preston and Banyule respectively, and things are just starting to click. There’s still a long way to go yet, even in a competition where many teams will jockey for top five spots.
The best thing for the Magpies is that boom off-season recruit Kamdyn McIntosh hasn’t had to play an enormous role, while Nash Holmes, after such a big health scare, is getting better and better with each outing, and kicked three goals on Saturday.
THE REAL DEAL (AGAIN)
South Morang clearly expected to be back among the division 2 contenders this season, even though there was a large amount of turnover.
That familiar bugbear that runs through many clubs – injury – has admittedly hit the Lions quite hard in recent weeks, but that has not fazed coach Matt Penn, who is doing a stellar job after a round one loss to Whittlesea.
Wins over Northcote Park and Thomastown over the last couple of weeks have meant the Lions currently sit just percentage behind the Cougars on top of the table.
CRUCIAL GAMES THIS WEEK
With the ladder starting to take shape, there’s already a number of crucial games that could very well shape the final ladders in each of the three grades.
West Preston and Diamond Creek meet in a huge game for both teams in terms of their division 1 future.
The Roosters are desperate for a win, having gone winless so far, and have lost both of their last two games by over 100 points each.
After a great start to the season, Diamond Creek have come back down to earth just a bit, and have now lost their last two, while scoring the fewest points in the competition to go along with it.
Panton Hill are desperately seeking a scalp in division 2, and although coming close to both Old Paradians and Whittlesea at home, couldn’t quite get it done. They now have to travel to Macleod, still as the only winless team, but the pressure is well and truly on for their future in the division.
In division 3, a big opportunity to jump into the top five might be afforded for either Kilmore or Epping, who meet at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Kilmore had a good win over a plucky Old Eltham outfit last week, while Epping, as alluded to above, played well for two and a half quarters against Ivanhoe before the class of the premiership favourites showed.
THE City of Whittlesea and CERES celebrated sustainability, food and community spirit at the annual Olives to Oil festival on Saturday at the Civic Centre in South Morang.
The free community festival brought together residents to celebrate the local olive harvest with music, food stalls, face painting, children’s gardening activities and Compost Week celebrations.
Visitors were also encouraged to learn more about reducing food waste through the Scraps to Soil program, which shares practical tips on composting, using food and garden waste bins and growing sustainable home gardens.
The festival is part of the wider Olives to Oil initiative, which rescues olives from backyard trees and transforms them into locally produced olive oil. Each year thousands of kilograms of olives that would otherwise go to landfill are collected by residents and volunteers.
CERES worker Nase, who has been involved with the program for four years, said the initiative was created to preserve cultural traditions while reducing environmental waste.
“The idea behind this event is that a lot of people from the Mediterranean came over with olive trees, grandparents who planted them, but a lot of that knowledge with what to do with the olives has died out,” he said.
“That became a problem, as a lot ended up in landfill, and food waste in landfill creates a lot of methane gas, and that’s even worse than CO2, so this all started as a way to divert them out of landfill.”
Last year, the program helped save more than 3.1 tonnes of olives from landfill, producing about 440 litres of olive oil. Last week alone, they collected seven tonnes of olives.
Nase said the quality of the olives was important, with mouldy fruit capable of ruining an entire batch. Volunteers and residents at the event spent a lot of time going through the batches of olives to ensure the olives were good to go.
Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one resident saying the oil “tasted just like my relatives’ oil in Italy”, while another described the experience as “an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and the community, giving a genuine sense of achievement and self-worth.”
Participants who secured drop-off bookings will be able to collect their freshly pressed olive oil from the CERES Preston warehouse on Sunday, July 12.
Residents who missed out on the opportunity on the day can still participate in an Olive Pickling Workshop on May 14, where they will learn how to preserve olives at home and reduce food waste. For more information about harvesting olives visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Olives-to-Oil
WITH the Victoria budget out of the way last Tuesday, today the attention shifts to the Federal Budget.
THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has urged the Federal Government to use the Budget, being delivered at the federal Parliament tonight, to directly address Australia’s severe shortage of skilled tradespeople and apprentices, warning that housing supply targets will not be met without decisive action.
“Australia simply cannot meet its housing needs without a significantly larger and more sustainable construction workforce,” HIA Chief Executive, Industry and Policy, Simon Croft said.
“Workforce shortages are now one of the biggest constraints on home building, renovations and the delivery of housing across the country.
“Speak to any builder anywhere in Australia and they will tell you the same thing – the single biggest challenge to delivering more homes is access to skilled workers and apprentices.
“HIA’s Federal Budget submission highlights that demand for skilled trades has consistently outstripped supply, with acute shortages in carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical trades and other critical residential construction occupations.
“At the same time governments are seeking to dramatically increase housing supply, the industry is grappling with an ageing workforce, falling apprentice commencements and growing competition for skilled labour across multiple sectors.
HIA has called on the government to prioritise practical, targeted measures in the budget to rebuild the residential construction workforce, including:
Boosting apprentice commencements and completions through stronger employer incentives, improved wage support and reduced regulatory complexity for small and medium businesses.
Expanding and fast‑tracking skilled migration pathways for residential construction trades, with occupations lists, visa processing and qualification recognition aligned to industry needs.
Increasing investment in vocational education and training, including industry‑led job‑ready training and ‘try‑a‑trade’ pre‑apprenticeship programs, and
Reducing the cost and risk of employing apprentices, particularly for small builders and tradies who train the majority of apprentices but face rising cost pressures.
“Around 90 per cent of residential builders are small businesses. If we want more apprentices, we must better support the employers who take them on and reduce the financial burden and red tape associated with training,” Mr Croft said.
“HIA is also calling for a coordinated, long‑term workforce strategy that aligns housing policy, infrastructure investment, migration settings and training systems.
“Stop‑start policies and short‑term funding announcements do not build a workforce. A credible housing supply strategy requires a sustained commitment to growing skilled trades over the next decade and beyond.
“The Federal Budget will be a critical test of the government’s commitment to boosting housing supply and the Budget must deliver real, practical solutions that get more apprentices on site, attract skilled workers to Australia and back in the employers to take on more workers.”
